Roh-Chung Joint Campaign Hits Stumbling Block

Roh Moo-hyun, presidential candidate of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), Chung Mong-joon of National Alliance 21 delayed their scheduled meeting on a joint election campaign as the two sides failed to work out differences on the issue of revising the constitution.

Chung, in particular, is adamant that his party would not seek to work with MDP for the upcoming presidential election unless Roh is more forthcoming in accommodating his proposal on the constitutional revision in 2004.

Roh, on his part, held a press interview at the party`s head office in Yoido in the morning. ˝I am willing to discuss the issue of revising the constitution with Chung. Yet, we need to work out when and how to change the constitution. I hear different voices on the issue and see the need to listen to a broad range of opinions from colleagues, experts and the people,˝ he said.

˝By splitting decision-making power, some understand the prime minister leads the government. I understand it is giving the prime minister more power, but Chung seems to think about having two heads of the government. We need to talk about all the options,˝ he added.

˝Saying he would accept a discussion of constitutional revision without mentioning the timing could be just wordplay and rhetoric,˝ Chung criticized Roh`s remarks and called off the meeting scheduled for later in the afternoon.

After the cancellation, chief negotiators from the two parties, Im Chae-ung from MDP and Chun Sung-cheol from NA21, met to discuss the issue, but failed to reach an agreement. MDP suggested that the two sides take time and work out differences throughout discussions, while NA21 insisted that the constitutional amendment is prerequisite to the alliance.

Sung-Won Park swpark@donga.com